Corie Henson Joins FOX as Executive Vice President Alternative Entertainment. Former Reality Chief, Simon Andrea Inks Production Deal
WELP. Somebody had to take the fall for the 50 million dollar debacle that was the failed reality show, Utopia. FOX announced today that Corie Henson has joined the network as the new Executive Vice President of Alternative Entertainment.
Former reality chief Simon Andrea, is out, but not completely. He has inked a production deal with the network.
The news was announced today by Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group. Reporting directly to FOX Entertainment President David Madden, Henson will oversee the network’s slate of unscripted programming and specials, as well as lead development efforts to expand FOX’s pipeline of unscripted fare.
“Corie has the perfect combination of broadcast and producing experience to help us move our unscripted brand forward. Seeing the tremendous work that she, Chris Grant and the team at Electus have done, Corie clearly knows what it’s like to be on the creative side of the business, but also has a proven track record of developing and shepherding big, broad network hits,” said Newman and Walden. “As we look to expand our alternative slate, Corie will play a key role in helping us find and launch the next generation of bold, aspirational and adventurous FOX reality fare.”
“Fox has always been an innovator and leader in unscripted television,” said Henson. “I’m grateful to Dana, Gary and David for the opportunity to be part of this legacy where talent matters most and great producers and creativity are valued.”
Henson has EXTENSIVE experience in the world of unscripted TV, as documented in the press release sent out by FOX:
Henson joins the network as FOX’s outgoing head of alternative entertainment, Simon Andreae, transitions into a new producing role. Previously, Henson served as Executive Vice President of Unscripted Television at Electus, where she oversaw the company’s unscripted TV business, including “Running Wild with Bear Grylls,” and the upcoming “Breaking Greenville” and “The Raft.” Prior to that, Henson was Vice President of Alternative Series at ABC Entertainment, where she oversaw new series development, as well as production for hit series, including Dancing With the Stars, Shark Tank and the Extreme Makeover franchise.
Henson has also served as a producer on such hit series as Big Brother for CBS, Grease: You’re The One That I Want! for NBC and the syndicated show On Air With Ryan Seacrest for Fox affiliates; and as an executive producer on The Secret Life of a Soccer Mom”for TLC. She has also been executive producer of the Critics Choice Awards and has overseen red carpet coverage of the Academy Awards, Grammys, Golden Globes and SAG Awards for E! Entertainment.
Hired in October 2013 to take the place of long time chief, Mike Darnell, Andreas only introduced a couple of shows, the ill fated Utopia and the questionable “bomb-defusing” game show format Boom. In interviews, he didn’t seem very interested in American Idol, taking a “wait and see” attitude after the low-rated 13th season, without much incentive to make changes. Obviously, that mindset shifted when FOX hired Big Machine Records exec, Scott Borchetta, to mentor the contestants and oversee the career of the winner.
“I’ve had a tremendous adventure at Fox and I’m so proud to have built such a strong team of talented executives,” said Andreae on his departure. “We have a really exciting range of new unscripted shows in the pipeline, and I am looking forward to continuing to collaborate with the Fox team in this new role.”
It remains to be seen how the new chief will handle the aging franchise that is American Idol.
Via Deadline
